What are the risks and benefits of surgical treatment for ovarian cysts?

BY DR. BROOKE WINNER

Surgical treatment for ovarian cysts can come with both benefits and risks, similar to any surgery.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Surgical Risks: Common risks include bleeding, infection, and discomfort after the procedure. Bleeding is unlikely to require a blood transfusion, but it’s good to have the option available in emergencies. Infection risk is low for minimally invasive surgeries, so antibiotics are generally not needed. However, you should monitor for fevers post-surgery. Although minimally invasive surgery is less painful than traditional open surgery, some level of pain is expected, and doctors will send patients home with pain medication.

  • Post-Operative Care: During minimally invasive surgery, gas is used to create space in your abdomen, which may leave some gas trapped, causing shoulder or rib pain. This usually resolves within a week. It’s crucial for the surgical team to check for any damage to nearby organs, blood vessels, or nerves. Failure to identify such issues could lead to complications that may require additional surgery.

  • Long-Term Considerations: It’s also important to be aware that surgery may not always eliminate your symptoms, and ovarian cysts can potentially recur. Most surgical risks are minimal with laparoscopic or robotic methods, allowing for a smoother recovery when everything goes as planned.


 

Do you prefer to watch it?

Watch Dr. Brooke Winner discuss the risks, benefits, and recovery considerations of ovarian cyst surgery.

Watch the video here


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